June 2018 Scroll

The Scroll
June 2018

Confirmation Class

Photo by Rev. Drew VanDyke Colby

Parenting From the Pew

Story by Kate Theodore years, we have learned a few tricks. We still had snacks
(and actually only weaned our second son off snacks when
One of the many joys, and he turned 4), and I became wiser and saved the snacks for
challenges, of motherhood the sermon. We still had books and coloring pages (many
has been bringing my graciously offered by the church). We still needed room to
children to worship. Each wiggle, so we set up camp near the back for a quick exit or
Sunday morning, I wake on the side where fewer people were sitting, and we still
my boys excitedly. I have so many who regularly encourage us. We are told
LOVE Sundays and I repeatedly how glad they are that we have brought our
desperately want them to children to worship; and yes, many are still of the older
love Sundays, too. I want them to know the joy of going generation who have been there and done that and lived
to the house of the Lord to worship Him, but it takes a to tell the tale.
whole lot more than just wanting for it to happen.
It has not been without its challenges. There have been
In the beginning, it was easy to bring our infant to the numerous items dropped over the years. And as the
small chapel service of the church we were attending. The stadium seating at St. Stephen’s offers a wonderful view
families were overjoyed to have a baby in their midst, and for all, it also offers the opportunity for crayons, coins for
the aisle was short if for some reason we needed to slip offering, and even grapes to go rolling from the back pew
out. As he grew, so did his voice, and then his walking to the front during the middle of the service. Some weeks,
legs. As he became more disruptive to the quiet, peaceful even if both of us remain in the sanctuary, one of us is
worship service, we walked down the hallway to register distracted by someone, trying to keep them more or less
him in the nursery. As it turned out, that decision was occupied so as not to disturb anyone else’s worship
even more disruptive: his screams could be heard down experience. And who knew how loud a child could color,
the hall and back into the sanctuary. Nursery was not an until they start scribbling in the middle of silent prayer! Of
option. course, we still need to step out for unruly behavior,
excessive noise, and emergency bathroom runs.
We brought him back to worship. The songs and hymns
were entertaining and his vocalizations were acceptable in As the boys had gotten older, we have invited them to
that setting. We brought books to flip through and had take more of a part in the service. They put offering in the
plenty of Cheerios to stuff in his little mouth during the plate. They follow along with our finger in the hymnal.
quieter times. Most weeks, however, one or the other of Each of them learned the Lord’s prayer at a young age and
us stepped out the chapel doors. We always brought him can pray it confidently now. They join us for communion,
back for the last hymn. Finishing the worship service or as we say in our home, “Jesus Loves You Bread.” Our
seemed appropriate to us for some reason. Time and older son is now learning to find the sermon scripture in
again, folks scolded us for taking him out of the service. the pew Bible. Many of you have seen our children join us
They insisted that no one minded. I believed them on one at the front during the opening liturgy. Little by little we
hand – most were of the age of grandparents, so little whisper the purpose of each part of the worship service to
ones were a novelty in their world now – but somehow them, so they can know what they are invited to do.
my heart was hesitant: wasn’t it rude to God to have an
unruly child in a sacred worship time? But more than that, my husband and I have had the
privilege not only of introducing our children to our
As our older son became capable of sitting through the Heavenly Father, but of experiencing the raw emotions of
service, more or less quietly, my husband and I realized a child in this sacred hour. Our sons will answer the
that perhaps there was something special to introducing rhetorical question during the pastor’s sermon with such
our children to worship at a young age. We didn’t even fervor and sincerity. They are awestruck by the beauty of

try to send our younger one to the nursery. Over the

From the Senior Pastor

It’s hard to believe that this will be Pastor Abi’s last month at St. Stephen’s. She has served this church brilliantly for
five years. She has brought so much to the children and families of this community. She has shown me how to be a
better person. She will be greatly missed. What’s more, without a doubt, her favorite color is orange. She has never
told me that her favorite color is orange. How do I know? Let me explain.

The day before Easter this year, as she has done every year, Pastor Abi oversaw an event for children and families
called Easter Eggstravaganza. This included a myriad of Lenten and Easter experiential activities culminating in a good
old fashioned Easter Egg Hunt. The day was filled with fun and meaningful experiences for all. One part of the event
that she was especially excited about was the message during worship. She really wanted to convey the power of the
empty tomb to children and families alike. Then she hatched the plan (a premature pun…keep reading). She would
create a contest between two people who would toss eggs into a bowl, seeing them smash, with yellow yolk going
everywhere. At the end, the loser of the egg toss would be required to smash an egg on his or her head, only THIS egg
would be empty. The pleasant surprise would illustrate the pleasant surprise experienced by Jesus’ followers as they
discovered the empty tomb. I had the pleasure of being the one to smash an empty egg on his head. I certainly got the
message. The kids got the message. The parents got the message. None of us will forget this connection anytime soon.
Pastor Abi did what she set out to do. She connected “faith” and “home.” We all went away as families sharing the
wonder of the resurrection with a common story.

When Pastor Abi explains the philosophy of children’s and family ministries at St. Stephen’s to newcomers, she gives
out a free coffee mug. On the mug is a picture of a YELLOW church building. To the right of the church is a plus
sign. To the right of the plus sign is a picture of a RED home. To the right of the home is an equal sign. To the right
of the equal sign is the word ORANGE. Pastor Abi has made it her purpose to have our community, and beyond,
bring faith into the home and our homes into the faith, creating the beautiful resulting orange. Orange. It’s her
favorite color. It’s what she’s been all about. We will never be the same. We’ll always be a little more orange. Thank
you Pastor Abi.

Your Fellow Minister in Christ,

Mark Mrini

Parenting From the Pew (continued)

sacred music and sit motionless, drinking in its holiness. How else will they learn unless we show them?
As I teach them the format and manners of worship, they
are teaching me how to truly worship. In the few times Thank you to the St. Stephen’s congregation for openly
that I find myself in worship without them, I feel an welcoming our family to the joy of worship in the
emptiness, a void. It is almost as if I have forgotten how sanctuary. Thank you to the pastors who regularly state
to worship without them. And my concern that God is from the pulpit that our children are welcome here in
displeased with children in worship is a thing of the past. these pews. Thank you to those who regularly voice their
support to us when we sit near them in worship. Thank
Parenting from the pew? It’s not a walk in the park. But as you to those who silently offer support by choosing to sit
one young mother who sat behind us with her toddler in near us. Thank you for the hands you offer to our
worship apologized immediately after service for his cries, children, not overlooking them, as you pass the peace.
I answered her, “His cries disturb you much more than Thank you for the smiles you give our children despite
anyone else, and well done, for being brave and bringing their disruptions.
him to worship.” For isn’t the end goal for them to grow
Thank you for helping us in our journey of parenting from
and desire for themselves to be sitting in the pew? the pew.

From Panic to Peace

When the call came from our District Superintendent, Jeff Mickle, that I was projected for a move this July I remember
feeling a wave of panic start to creep up from the pit of my stomach. Although I am committed to the itinerant process,
my mind began to race in a thousand directions with the obvious questions surfacing first, "Why now?" "Why me?" But
then, a few moments later I began to feel a little bit short-changed and even angry, "Wait a minute... I'm not finished yet
with the programs I hoped to implement and the relationships I was in the process of establishing! Who will ensure the
vision that we've worked so hard together to create will come to fruition?" And, "What about Sophia and Lacy and all
the friends we've made? What will happen to them?" And on and on my mind raced as panic took hold of my heart
because I realized I was no longer in control. These are similar feelings shared by any person who has experienced a
significant change in plans or circumstances.

After I hung up the phone, I immediately called Lacy to tell him the news and no lie, his first words to me were, "Well,
at least we'll be closer to the ball park for the Potomac Nationals!" What?!! (Insert eye roll and a big smile.) I love being
married to this man -- he keeps me humble and focused on what's good about change. In her own way, Sophia does
too; she's a gift from God that grounds me as a mother and helps remind me of an even broader calling beyond the
local church.

Lacy and I then began to talk through the news and slowly my mind started adjusting to what was possible with this new
appointment and eventually my heart came to find peace as I acknowledged that I was never in control; only God is in
control. I affirm that God was the one who called me in the first place to this crazy, wonderful life of ministry some
twenty plus years ago so God must know what God is doing now. In my most vulnerable moments of doubt and
uncertainty, I would be wise to call upon Paul's words from prison to the church in Philippi as a source of comfort, "Do
not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to
God." I know -- sometimes easier said than done. But, maybe we shouldn't measure the height of the mountain, but
instead talk to the One who can move it.

As I've prayed to God about this transition, I've been given every confidence that the work that has begun during my
tenure at St. Stephen's will continue under the faithful leadership of our new associate pastor, Rev. Jiyeon Kim. I trust
that she will bring different gifts and graces to the work at hand and that she will be a blessing to the children and
families that are part of our community. I am also confident that she will discover as I did all of the exceptional lay
leaders, pastors, staff and volunteers that are already in place who day by day, quietly but faithfully live into our vision
and carry out Christ's command to love one another. Without a doubt, my family and I are truly blessed to have shared
the road with each of you -- you have left an indelible mark on our hearts and lives. And, although I will miss you, I
also trust in God's abundant grace to unify our work both here in Burke and in Manassas for the sake of the Kingdom.
I may not get it right all the time, but I'm sure glad we don't have to carry all the weight of our anxiety by ourselves; and,
instead we serve a God who invites us to turn over our panic so that we may experience his perfect peace at all times
and in all places. This fall when I run into the pastoral team at our district clergy meetings, I can't wait to hear about all
the amazing things that are happening at St. Stephen's. Or better, yet to see them on Facebook this summer in your
posts.

I will continue to lift you and the ministry of St. Stephen's up in prayer and I give God thanks for the time we have
shared together. I have learned so much about ministry and leading a vital congregation. I know the lessons here will
serve me well for many years to come. I hope to see you during the month of June and especially on the 24th for
worship and the "Send Off" reception following the 11 o'clock service. If for some reason you and your family are out
of town in June, please stop by at your convenience for a hug and a proper goodbye.

Much love,

Pastor Abi

St. Stephens Endowment

Have you considered leaving a legacy that will last? Consider including the St. Stephens Endowment Fund in your estate
planning. For more information, please contact the Endowment Committee chairperson, Gregg Snow @ 703-489-3780.

SPPRC Announcement

Last month, we announced that Pastor Abi’s new appointment, beginning on July 1st, where she will lead the
congregation at St. Thomas United Methodist Church in Manassas, Virginia. We are pleased to announce that Pastor
Jiyeon Kim has been appointed to be our Associate Pastor for Children’s Ministry and First Impressions, also beginning
on July 1st.

Pastor Jiyeon (pronounced gee-on, soft “g”) is a 2012 graduate from the Wesley Theological Seminary with a Master of
Divinity. She has served as an Associate Pastor for three years at Warrenton United Methodist Church and is currently an
Associate Pastor at the Korean United Methodist Church of Greater Washington in McLean. There she is the Next
Generation Ministry Education Pastor where she supervises all the staff under their children and youth ministries.

While it will be impossible to replace Pastor Abi, we are grateful to the Bishop's cabinet for making, what we believe, is an
excellent appointment for our church.

We will have a farewell reception for Pastor Abi on her last Sunday here at St. Stephen’s, on June 24th. The following
Sunday, July 1st, we will have a reception for all of you to welcome Pastor Jiyeon into the
St. Stephen’s family.

Our Church Family

New Members: Matt & Kristin Westover
New Constituents: Josh & Cynthian Knight, Gus & Lisa Eger
Baptisms: Kennedy Amelia Westover, May 6, 2018

Receive Christ Reflect Christ Relay Christ
as the key to life, awake and alive, as the catalyst for community, as the call for a new generation,
growing in knowledge and love of inclusive and engaged, igniting mission convinced and committed, sharing

God. and service for all. faith and hope with others.



Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

The organized unit of United Methodist Women shall be a community of women
whose purpose is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons
through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative supportive fellowship; and to expand
concepts of mission through participation in global ministries of the church.
Membership is open to any woman who indicates her desire to belong and to participate in the Global
Mission of the Church through the United Methodist Women.

Betty Whitehurst Circle: The Betty Whitehurst during the summer, come see what’s going on!
Circle will meet on Monday, June 11 at 6:30 pm Please join us for all or part of the time. Bring a

for their end-of-year dinner (place to be project, your lunch, and a beverage. Contact: Jean
determined). We welcome anyone who would like Taylor (703-644-9480, [email protected]).
to join us. If you would like to make a reservation
please call Marion Gunnell (703-978-1950) or Jane New Dimension Circle: This e-mail circle is for
Keck (703-250-1935). women of our church who for whatever reason
cannot participate in a monthly circle meeting, but
Faithful Friends Circle: The Faithful Friends would like to be informed about current UMW
Circle will meet for their end-of-year dinner on activities, present concerns, and information on
June 19 at 6:30 pm (please note this is not their UMW and St. Stephen’s in general. Contact Linda

normal meeting date) Hamrock’s Restaurant, 3950 Baird, the New Dimension Circle Coordinator
Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, 703-385-5433,
Hamrocksrestaurant.com. We welcome any ladies (703-591-6023, [email protected]).
who would like to join us. For more information,
please contact Valerie Bates (703-425-5470). Book Club: The Book Club will not meet until
Thursday, September 20. The book will be
announced in August. For more information
Frances Allen Circle: The Frances Allen Circle please contact Rachel Martinez
will not meet during June, July, and August. We ([email protected], 703-425-0480).
meet on the morning of the second Thursday of
Wednesday Women’s Bible Study: The
each month from September through May. It is
our pleasure to welcome guests and new Women’s Bible Study group will meet in June
members. For more information, contact Priscilla from 9:30-11:00 am on Wednesdays in M8. They
Parrott (703-865-6042) or Betty Ann Van Matre will continue reading one of our favorite authors -
(703-663-7828). a ten-week study Ten Women of the Bible: One by One
They Changed the World by Max Lucado with Jenna
Teen Circle: The Teen Circle will meet on Lucado Bishop. Group leaders take turns
Sunday, June 10 for lunch at BB’s. For more facilitating discussion of the chapters we read
information, contact Betty Baumgartner during the week. Some weeks an insightful and

(703-239-0125) or Sara Alexander (703-470-2656). encouraging video is shown of the author
presenting his lessons. Please join us for this
Service4Others: Service4Others will meet on wonderful study and fellowship. For further
Thursday, June 21 for a Salad/Dessert Get- information, please contact Patti Keppler
Together. Further details to be announced. Any ([email protected], 571-214-4296).
questions can be directed to Kathy Hennemuth
(703-239-2871) or Cindy Sbrocco (703-764-8913). The UMW Reading Program: This month’s
book is The Light Within Me: An Inspirational
Creative Hearts, Creative Hands: We continue Memoir, by Ainsley Earhardt. Ainsley Earhardt is
through the summer! Our needlework ministry, one of the co-hosts of the cable morning show,
open to all, will meet the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays Fox and Friends, and has written two children’s
of the month from 10:00 am to 1-ish pm in M9. books. This book discusses her childhood and the
If you are busy during the school year but are free

8

UMW is open to all women in the church and our activities include six circles
(including a teen circle and an e-mail circle called the New Dimension Circle),
a Bible Study, a book club, the Creative Hearts, Creative Hands sewing group
(which includes the Prayer Shawl Ministry), an annual Women’s Weekend retreat,
and the Maranatha Singers. For more information on any of our activities please pick up a blue UMW
Activity Sheet in the Gathering Place or on the UMW Bulletin Board.

challenges she faced as an adult. Although she was program began Friday night with fun “get to
raised in a Christian home, she truly came to know each other” exercises that allowed everyone

know Jesus as her savior when she was in college. to learn what they had in common with each-
The book contains many Bible verses that she has other. The spiritual program began Saturday with
relied upon throughout her life as she progressed singing and watching a video to set the stage for
in her career. She experienced a miscarriage and a group discussions about how to become richer in

divorce, and her faith helped to sustain her God’s eyes. The group discussions allowed the
women to explore the messages in the video and
through the difficulties of her life. review Bible verses that re-enforced those
messages. The weather proved to be exceptionally
UMW Board Meeting: Our next Board meeting warm and sunny so the afternoon was spent
will be on Monday, September 24 in C40 at 9:30 outside with the women choosing to relax, shop,
am. All are welcome to attend. For questions or hike. After enjoying the sunshine, the women
please contact Suzanne Bottoms gathered again to continue the spiritual program.
([email protected], 703-978-4871).

UMCOR Kits: Please consider putting together The retreat concluded on Sunday morning with
much-needed kits for UMCOR (Health and song and a devotion and communion led by
School). Contents for the kits are listed in the blue Pastor Abi. The retreat was a spiritually renewing
Brochure (which is located on the UMW Bulletin and relaxing weekend.
Board near the large kitchen and in the Gathering
Place), on the poster that is located in the Spring Concert: The annual UMW Spring
Welcome Center, or on the UMCOR Website. Concert was held on Friday, April 27 at 7:30 pm
Kits can be put in the basket in the Welcome with approximately 125 in attendance. An
Center – all kits will be taken to Conference in enjoyable time was had by all. Suzanne Bottoms,
June. For more information contact Suzanne President of UMW, began the program with a few
words of welcome followed by the invocation by
Bottoms ([email protected], 703-978-4871). Pastor Mark. The Maranatha Singers, led by

UMW Brochure: The updated UMW Brochure Tammy Lydon, our very skilled director, and
(in blue) is now on the UMW Bulletin Board and Esther Lee, our talented accompanist, presented a
in the Gathering Place. Please share with anyone program entitled “Hopes and Dreams” Some of
who might want to know more about our UMW the favorite songs that were sung were Getting to
circles and other activities. Know You, Almost Like Being in Love, Fly Me to

Women’s Weekend Retreat: The Women’s The Moon, and Put On a Happy Face. There was
Weekend Retreat “Living the Game of Life” took also a performance by the St. Stephen’s Orchestra,
place April 13-15 at the Hilton Garden Inn in under the spirted direction of Jan Siegfried. They
Martinsburg, West Virginia. The 39 women who performed the Sound of Music Medley. The
attended this year’s retreat enjoyed the concert was held in the Sanctuary, and following
opportunity to spend time making new friends the concert attendees were treated in the Welcome
and bonding with existing friends in a lovely hotel Center to delicious refreshments of fresh fruit
where the food and service were top-notch. The and cookies while engaging in friendly fellowship.

9

Youth Ministry News for 7-12 Graders

@ssumc_youth
@saintstephensyouth

http://www.ststephensfairfax.org/opportunities-for-youth/

Contact Information

Rev. Mark Mrini Tammy Lydon
Senior Pastor Director of Music Ministries

[email protected] [email protected]

Extension 104 Extension 107

Rev. Abi Foerster Harold Mansfield
Associate Pastor Maintenance Engineer

[email protected] 703-978-8724
Extension 103
Veronica Mayes
Rev. Drew VanDyke Colby Preschool Director
Associate Pastor
[email protected]
[email protected] 703-978-9024
Extension 105
Leslie McAndrew
Sarah Backes Preschool Administrative Assistant
Assistant Youth Minister
[email protected]
[email protected]
Susan Snow
Mike Faunda Financial Manager
Director of Media Ministries
[email protected]
[email protected] Extension 106

Anita Febbo Rob Vaughan
Administrative Assistant Coordinator of Communications

[email protected] [email protected]
Extension 100
Karen Wells
Esther Lee Office Manager
Accompanist
[email protected]
[email protected] Extension 102

Dr. Ingrid Lestrud
Children’s Music Ministry Coordinator

[email protected]

St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church

9203 Braddock Rd., Burke, VA 22015

703-978-8724 ststephensfairfax.org

June 2018